Web Stories

University seeks input on campus plan, Nov. 8

Posted November 2, 2006; 09:47 a.m.

by Ruth Stevens

This month, members of the University and local communities will
have an opportunity to learn more about the University's new campus
plan and to provide feedback on the effort through an open forum and a
Web site.

"Plans in Progress," the open forum, is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda. Phase one of the Web site went live on Nov. 2.

The University is midway through a two-year effort to create a
comprehensive plan for the campus that will guide development over the
next 10 years and beyond. The open forum and the Web site are intended
to provide an opportunity for the planning team to learn more about
issues that matter to the University and local communities as well as
to make available more detailed information on the planning effort.

"A campus planning effort is significantly enriched through the ideas
and suggestions offered by community members," said Executive Vice
President Mark Burstein.

Those attending "Plans in Progress" will be able to view a large model
and dozens of visual displays set up around both floors of the rotunda
on all aspects of the campus plan, with themes ranging from landscaping
and sustainability to parking and transportation. Stations also will
focus on the various campus "neighborhoods" that are part of the plan,
such as Alexander Street/University Place, which the University is
considering as a location for various facilities to meet the goals of
its new creative and performing arts initiative.

Members of the planning team will be available at each display station
for discussion and to answer questions. Those attending will be
encouraged to fill out feedback cards with ideas about how the campus
should grow. Refreshments will be served.

The Web site incorporates and expands on many of the materials
presented at the open forum. It includes a timeline describing the
development of the campus since it was established in Princeton in
1756, along with maps and images. Like the open forum, it is organized
by theme and by neighborhood. As work progresses during the year,
additional information will be posted on the site. Feedback also will
be sought through a mechanism on the Web site.

The planning effort is being led by the award-winning firm of Beyer
Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP. Working with a team of
seven other planning and design firms specializing in transportation
engineering, landscape design, storm water management, parking and
wayfinding, BBB is taking a fresh look at the 400-acre campus,
providing a framework for campus growth that seeks to strengthen and
reintroduce a landscape network throughout the campus while improving
traffic, parking and pedestrian circulation between the campus and
surrounding neighborhoods.

The initiative follows an intensive series of internal discussions with
senior administrators, faculty, architects and other key stakeholders
through which the University has developed a set of overarching
principles for campus planning and development: maintain a
pedestrian-oriented campus; preserve the park-like character of the
campus; maintain campus "neighborhoods" while promoting a sense of
community; develop in an environmentally responsible manner; and
sustain strong community relations.